A major fire swept through Accra’s Tudu enclave on Wednesday night, June 3, 2026, destroying parts of the Accra Central Police Station and nearby shops at Makola Market.
The incident echoes a tragic event from 11 years ago in Ghana’s history, when a catastrophic explosion at a fuel station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle resulted in the loss of many lives, including those of children and parents.
Police Accommodation Gutted
The blaze destroyed accommodation for 42 officers at the Accra Central Police Station in Tudu, leaving over 140 police personnel and their families displaced.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said government has ordered immediate relocation of all affected persons to temporary shelter, including hotels if necessary.
“We cannot wait. From today, all affected persons must be moved to temporary accommodation,” he stated while conveying President John Mahama’s sympathy. The Vice President has also been briefed and will visit upon her return. No lives were lost, but investigations into the cause are ongoing.
“Extremely difficult” firefighting operation
GNFS described the Tudu fire as one of the most challenging incidents in recent times. Assistant Divisional Officer Alex King Nartey said firefighters faced gas explosions from multiple cylinders and deep freezers stored at the facility. “The explosions were very intense because they had stored gas cylinders there, and there were several deep freezers as well. These freezers contain gases that explode when exposed to extreme heat,” he explained.
Live electricity in the area also put crews at risk. “Because there was electricity, our officers kept receiving electric shocks as they tried to fight the fire,” Nartey said. Crowd interference and lack of adequate fire hydrants further slowed containment efforts.
Makola Plus Tudu Market traders hit
The fire also gutted shops at Makola Market and Tudu market in the CBD. Eyewitnesses said flames started around the Water Works area before spreading toward the Tudu Police Station, destroying stores dealing in imported cloth from Togo.
Traders broke down in tears as years of investment and goods were lost overnight. The extent of damage is still being assessed.
Response
GNFS deployed 4 fire engines from Accra City, Ministries, Parliament, and Industrial Area stations to contain the blaze. Firefighters worked through the night as heavy rain and flooding worsened conditions across Accra. GNFS has warned that the June 3 incident signals what could be an active fire season in 2026 and urged strict fire safety measures.
Authorities say reconstruction plans for the police facility will begin after immediate relief is provided.
